James 5:7-11 - Patience and the Second Advent, Sermon notes

Sermon idea: The second coming of Christ is a focal point of the Apostles' teaching.  They called it "the blessed hope" (Titus 2:13).  Their cry was "Maranatha!"  Come quickly!  And their conviction was that with the parousia (presence of Jesus at His coming), He would bring the righteous rule and order of God to our wrecked and wounded world.  James gives truths in the text to help us understand how to appropriately represent Jesus Christ while we wait for His return.

1. Patience is illustrated by the Farmer, verses 7-8.
Farmers must work hard and trust to what they cannot control.
A. Work Hard.
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B. Trust God.  A person who trusts God:
(1) Believes Him (Proverbs 3:5-6)
(2) Knows that God works for our good (Romans 8:28).
(3) Has peace (Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:7).
(4) Is committed to God (Romans 10:9-10)

2. Patience is needed toward fellow Christians, v.9a.
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Why is it the tendency of people in churches to turn on each other?
A. Lack of Self-Awareness (Matthew 7:1-5).
B. Tendency to Carnally Misuse the Church.  Are people to be objectified or honored?

3. Patience means trusting that God will act Justly, vv.9b-11.
See Hebrews 4:13.
A. Christians will be Examined at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
(1 Corinthians 3:11-17, Romans 14:10, and 2 Corinthians 5:10)
B. Non-Christians will Appear Before the Great White Throne.
(Revelation 20:11-15)  Moved by compassion we must:
(1) Have a different way of viewing the lost around us.
(2) Have a passion to communicate the Gospel with as many people as possible. 
C. God will act Justly toward our Temporary Trials.
(1) The prophets were patient toward the outcome of their message (1 Peter 1:10-11).
(2) Job was patient toward the nature of God's character.  See Hebrews 6:10.

Conclusion - No matter when Jesus returns, may His followers have an attitude that will be a witness of God's redemptive power through us.